SCRS Conference Day 1 Session #10
Boosting Resilience & Physical Security through AI-Driven Automation and Intelligent Systems
By Mr. Shamsir Bin Ali, Regional QA Manager, Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE), Zuellig Pharma
On June 25, over 250 delegates at the Supply Chain Resilience and Sustainability (SCRS) Conference 2024 in Shanghai were met with a compelling session led by Mr. Shamsir bin Ali, Regional QA Manager, Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE) at Zuellig Pharma. SCRS Conference is the annual two-day trademark event organized by Transported Asset Protection Association Asia Pacific (TAPA APAC), bringing supply chain professionals together to address pressing industry challenges, trends, and opportunities.
With a robust background in integrating various organizational functions to enhance business continuity and sustainability, Shamsir’s keynote presentation provided critical insights and strategies into leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for boosting resilience and physical security through automation and intelligent systems.
“AI is not just about staying competitive; it’s about ensuring that our supply chains are robust, secure, and capable of withstanding future challenges,” Shamsir emphasized.
AI is not just a technological trend but a fundamental tool for navigating the complexities of modern supply chains. Shamsir highlighted the increasing vulnerabilities organizations face due to interconnectedness, including cybersecurity threats, physical theft, natural disasters, and geopolitical tensions. “When you talk about resilience, we are talking about the preparedness of an organization in the event of disasters, in the event of any challenges that is going to be faced by the organization,” Shamsir explained. He highlighted that organizations must be ready to tackle various challenges. He then emphasized the potential of AI technology to streamline processes traditionally requiring manual intervention, thereby enhancing organizational resilience, and ensuring preparedness for potential hazards and disasters.
Utilizing AI for Comprehensive Situational Analysis & Predictive Insights
Artificial intelligence, defined as the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems, offers a powerful tool for organizations to monitor, improve, and anticipate undesired events. “It is a tool that can be applied within an organization for monitoring, for improvement, and also for anticipation of any undesired events,” said Shamsir. AI includes various applications such as expert systems, natural language processing (NLP), speech recognition, and machine vision. By endowing machines with human-like capabilities such as reasoning, learning, planning, and creativity, AI allows technical systems to perceive their environment, process the information they perceive into predictive analytics, tackle challenges, and take action to accomplish specific objectives.
“One of the things that we need to actually focus on is capability,” said Shamsir, emphasizing the importance of effective AI implementation. There are numerous AI systems available, but the real advantage lies in their capability to detect unusual activities, identify intruders, and provide real-time alerts. This capability significantly enhances an organization’s security and resilience. However, a robust system alone is insufficient without the buy-in from all stakeholders, which Mr. Shamsir acknowledged as a potential challenge. “That will be a challenge also,” he noted. Nonetheless, AI’s ability to assist in decision-making and closely monitor operations makes it an invaluable asset for any organization looking to enhance its situational analysis and predictive insights.
AI-driven Smart Warehouses with Robotic Intelligence Systems
Showcasing Zuellig Pharma’s AI-driven smart warehouses which incorporate robotic intelligence systems, Shamsir explained the usage of an automation strategy leveraging Systems Applications and Products (SAP), an enterprise resource planning software providing a centralized system for a company to share and access a common database. With intelligent robotic process automation, it streamlines operations and enhances the efficiency of the entire process. These advancements enable the company to optimize its logistics and warehouse management, ensuring that operations are both efficient and secure.
In addition to AI, Zuellig Pharma’s blockchain-powered end-to-end supply chain traceability solution, eZTracker, enables the traceability of products. Shamsir explained, “We have the capability to ensure items are being traced, allowing even customers or clients to actually look at where it is moving to.” By providing real-time visibility and traceability, eZTracker not only bolsters security but also builds trust with customers and clients, further solidifying Zuellig Pharma’s commitment to innovation and excellence in supply chain management.
Benefits of AI-Driven Automation and Intelligent Systems
AI-driven automation and intelligent systems significantly improve operational efficiency by automating repetitive tasks and optimizing workflows. This leads to better security as there is continuous monitoring and quick response to threats. Shamsir emphasized that while cost savings depend on the specific organization, AI systems can lead to substantial financial benefits by reducing manual labor and minimizing errors. Moreover, AI systems offer scalability, allowing organizations to adapt to growing demands seamlessly. By implementing these advanced technologies, Zuellig Pharma is well positioned to meet the evolving needs of its customers and maintain a competitive edge in the industry.
The Future of AI and IoT in Supply Chain Management
The prospects for AI in supply chain management are promising a significant potential to enhance organizational capabilities by combining AI with the Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time data and accurate predictions. Shamsir continued, “With AI, you can actually have an advanced system where you can recommend the best actions needed to make the supply chain more adaptive and resilient.” The integration of AI allows organizations to conduct precise monitoring and implement intelligent automation, which is essential for supply chain resilience and security. This advanced capability not only improves efficiency but also enhances security through continuous monitoring and quick threat responses, positioning AI as a critical tool for future-proofing supply chain operations.
TAPA APAC recognizes the pivotal role of AI in shaping the future of supply chain security and resilience. As the industry grapples with increasingly complex challenges, the association is committed to supporting its members in leveraging advanced technologies to enhance their operational capabilities. TAPA APAC provides valuable resources, including the latest TAPA Standards, training, and membership programmes, to help organizations integrate AI and other innovative solutions effectively. By promoting best practices and facilitating knowledge sharing through SCRS Conferences, TAPA APAC aims to empower its members to navigate evolving risks and build more adaptive, secure supply chains.
To know more about TAPA APAC and TAPA Standards, please visit www.tapa-apac.org or email to info@tapa-apac.org.
About the Speaker
Mr. Shamsir Bin Ali
Regional QA & HSSE Manager, Zuellig Pharma
With over two decades of experience, Shamsir Bin Ali is a seasoned Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) professional, holding an MSc in the field. He serves as an Associate Lecturer for BSc and MSc programs in SHE Management, approved WSQ Educator for WSH programs, and registered Safety Officer for the Ministry of Manpower. With expertise as an ISO auditor and contributions across sectors like oil and gas, logistics, construction, and pharmaceuticals, Shamsir actively champions corporate social responsibility through sustainability report submissions for the EcoVadis Award.
Email: SBAli@zuelligpharma.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shamsir-ali/
Website: https://www.zuelligpharma.com/